Numerical investigation of the effects of excavation on piled embankments under static loading conditions

This study investigates the influence of adjacent excavation on piled embankments constructed on soft clay, with emphasis on settlement mechanisms, soil arching, and load transfer under static loading. A three-dimensional coupled-consolidation finite element model was developed using a hypoplastic clay constitutive law to capture stiffness degradation and stress-path dependence. The analyses reveal that excavation induces significant differential settlement at the embankment crest and lateral pile displacements, with surcharge loading increasing overall crest settlement but simultaneously reducing pile settlements due to enhanced soil arching. Excavation alters stress redistribution within the embankment, increases stress concentration on central piles, and significantly affects axial load transfer, negative skin friction, and bending moments. These findings highlight the dual role of surcharge in piled embankments adjacent to excavation and emphasize the importance of considering excavation-induced ground movements in design practice.